Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Choose the Best Interval Training Program?

Kasey James
Kasey James

The best interval training program is one that you will enjoy and will help you meet your fitness goals. You have to decide what your fitness goals are and what kind of exercise will help you before choosing an interval training program. Then, you can begin to look at the different programs and decide which ones will work best for you. You can also consider a couple of different programs and alternate them.

If you choose a program that is exciting and challenging, you are more likely to keep doing the exercise. If you are just starting an interval training program, it is best to find a beginner's routine. Interval training is a combination of periods of exercise with high intensity, low intensity, and resting. A beginner's routine will allow you to work really hard for short amounts of time, slow the exercise down, and then rest for a few minutes.

Interval training combines cardio, like running on a treadmill, with weight training to burn more fat.
Interval training combines cardio, like running on a treadmill, with weight training to burn more fat.

If you feel like your body is used to exercise already, but you want to lose a bit of weight, you may want to consider a fat-burning interval training program. A high-intensity interval training program (HIIT) is designed to work your body hard for about 20 minutes at a time. You will still have warm-up time and cool-down time as well. In a HIIT workout, you will spend more time at your highest intensity than other programs, which will help burn unwanted fat.

Jumping rope is a high impact aerobic exercise that can be performed during a high intensity interval.
Jumping rope is a high impact aerobic exercise that can be performed during a high intensity interval.

There are also interval training programs that are designed to help build muscle. These programs often combine cardiovascular workouts such as running on the treadmill and using weightlifting machines. The cardio intervals will get your heart rate up and help to burn fat. The weight exercises help to build and tone existing muscle.

Many people think that interval training is associated with running. Running can be a good program, but you can also do interval training by cycling, swimming, or jump roping. Many people in an interval training program find the exercise that they most enjoy and choose a program based on that workout.

You will probably find that you have a favorite interval training program, but you may want to choose a couple of programs and alternate them on different days. For instance, you may want to do a running interval training program a couple days a week and alternate that with a swimming interval program. It can be best for the body to complete different interval training programs so that you are working all your body muscles at some point throughout the week.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Interval training combines cardio, like running on a treadmill, with weight training to burn more fat.
      By: starush
      Interval training combines cardio, like running on a treadmill, with weight training to burn more fat.
    • Jumping rope is a high impact aerobic exercise that can be performed during a high intensity interval.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Jumping rope is a high impact aerobic exercise that can be performed during a high intensity interval.